Board conducts first reading of technology policies; trustees narrow language on filter disabling and device use

At the Nov. 19 meeting the board considered multiple ISBA-recommended technology policies as first readings and directed administration to make targeted edits for the second reading.

Key policies reviewed included the district-provided access to electronic information services (3270), district mobile computing devices (3275), student data privacy and security (3575), employee email and online-service use (5330/5335) and a cybersecurity incident/response policy (9550). Administration recommended adopting the ISBA templates and rolling them into the district’s policy numbering system.

Trustees debated whether a teacher should be permitted to disable internet-filtering software during class for bona fide research. Several trustees raised the risk that a teacher could inadvertently leave a filter disabled; the board asked for revised language requiring school-administrator permission rather than an unrestricted teacher 'may disable' clause. Trustees also discussed optional language suggesting students refrain from downloading TikTok to school devices, and whether devices should be allowed to be personalized or must remain stock. Administration said network blocking of TikTok is already in place and that district technology personnel would assist with any required removals.

Administration told trustees that acceptable-use and staff-agreement forms would be rolled out with adoption of the policies in the new year and that the policies would be presented for second reading with the edits requested by trustees. No final votes were taken on the technology policies at this meeting; the board advanced the items as first readings with requested edits.